Hello!
I just returned from a week of diving with Parguera Divers in La Parguera, Puerto Rico and wanted to share my experience.
Parguera Divers is a very well run operation. The owner, Angel Rovira, and his team did whatever they could to make the trips safe, informative, and enjoyable. A US Coast Guard certification was displayed on the boat and a full safety briefing was provided and included the location of all emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, radio, life jackets, etc.). A fresh water tank was provided for cameras and a hose was available for rinsing anything else.
The dive sites were usually on or by the wall which is about a 30 minute boat ride from shore. Dives were always 50 minutes plus an additional five minute safety stop. The length was usually just about right. No one felt rushed. The fish were of the standard Caribbean kind. We saw one turtle and a shark.
The shop offers Nitrox. In addition to standard 32% and 36%, the shop was also offering a special on a 30% blend which gives a maxdepth of 117-120ft. I used it and it gave me just enough extra bottom time to make it worth it. Surface intervals were on the boat and lasted one hour. Sandwiches and cookies were provided during the SI and drinks were available the entire time.
The hotel is a guest house/inn which carries the "parador" designation. This is bestowed by the Puerto Rican Tourism Company on inns that meet certain specifications. It is clean and serviceable, but plain with few frills. If you book a package through Parguera Divers you get a discount on the room. Breakfast is included in the price as are some discount restaurant vouchers depending on the length of your stay. The restaurant is good but a bit pricey. Even with the vouchers, it may or may not be a good deal. There are plenty of vendor stands and smaller restaurants nearby. Every major restaurant chain is also on the island but you will need to drive. Since Puerto Rico is a US commonwealth, your auto insurance may cover you. Check before you leave. I recommend Charlie's car rental if you fly into San Juan. Ponce is much closer but has fewer flights to the mainland. Also, internet access in Parguera is not great. I did find a few open hot spots but the hotel itself does not offer it.
Overall, I was very impressed and will return!
I just returned from a week of diving with Parguera Divers in La Parguera, Puerto Rico and wanted to share my experience.
Parguera Divers is a very well run operation. The owner, Angel Rovira, and his team did whatever they could to make the trips safe, informative, and enjoyable. A US Coast Guard certification was displayed on the boat and a full safety briefing was provided and included the location of all emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, radio, life jackets, etc.). A fresh water tank was provided for cameras and a hose was available for rinsing anything else.
The dive sites were usually on or by the wall which is about a 30 minute boat ride from shore. Dives were always 50 minutes plus an additional five minute safety stop. The length was usually just about right. No one felt rushed. The fish were of the standard Caribbean kind. We saw one turtle and a shark.
The shop offers Nitrox. In addition to standard 32% and 36%, the shop was also offering a special on a 30% blend which gives a maxdepth of 117-120ft. I used it and it gave me just enough extra bottom time to make it worth it. Surface intervals were on the boat and lasted one hour. Sandwiches and cookies were provided during the SI and drinks were available the entire time.
The hotel is a guest house/inn which carries the "parador" designation. This is bestowed by the Puerto Rican Tourism Company on inns that meet certain specifications. It is clean and serviceable, but plain with few frills. If you book a package through Parguera Divers you get a discount on the room. Breakfast is included in the price as are some discount restaurant vouchers depending on the length of your stay. The restaurant is good but a bit pricey. Even with the vouchers, it may or may not be a good deal. There are plenty of vendor stands and smaller restaurants nearby. Every major restaurant chain is also on the island but you will need to drive. Since Puerto Rico is a US commonwealth, your auto insurance may cover you. Check before you leave. I recommend Charlie's car rental if you fly into San Juan. Ponce is much closer but has fewer flights to the mainland. Also, internet access in Parguera is not great. I did find a few open hot spots but the hotel itself does not offer it.
Overall, I was very impressed and will return!
